Reinaldo Colucci of Brazil outran Daniel Fontana to win his second Pucon 70.3 title and Amanda Lovato took her first Pucon title over fellow American and two-time champion Heather Gollnick Sunday in Chile.

Colucci out raced Ironman 70.3 World Championship silver medalist Daniel Fontana of Italy 3:52:38 to 3:54:26 with 5-time Pucon champion Oscar Galindez of Argentina 3rd in 3:57:53. Colucci’s time broke Galindez’ 2009 race record of 3:57:26.

The win added luster to the 24-yrear-old Brazilian prodigy’s resume, which includes a 2nd place at the 2009 Ironman Brazil, third at Wildflower 2009, 5th at the 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, a 4th at the 2008 Tiszaujvaros ITU World Cup and 37th at the Beijing Olympics.

Lovato took down 2009 and 2008 Pucon champion Heather Gollnick 4:36:10 to 4:41:36, but did not come close to Lisa Bentley’s 4:28:49 course record. This was one of Lovato’s most prestigious wins, following her 2005 wins at Boulder peak and the Boulder 5430 long course.

"I was pleased to start off my 2010 season with a victory in Pucon. This race is rich in history and to have won such a prestigious event is a huge honor for me. Finishing in front of such accomplished athletes as Heather and Tereza is truly humbling," said Amanda Lovato. "My win was a surprise to many including myself. It is a huge boost to my confidence that I will have a great 2010 season."

Tereza Macel took third in 4:46:20.

Pucon Ironman 70.3
Pucon, Chile
January 24, 2010
S 1.2 mi. / B 56 mi. / R 13.1 mi.

Results

Men

1. Reinaldo Colucci (BRA) 3:52:38
2. Daniel Fontana (ARG) 3:54:26
3. Oscar Galindez (ARG) 3:57:53
4. Santiago Asenco (BRA) 4:02:27
5. Mario de Elias (ARG) 4:03:20
6. Lucas Cocha (ARG) 4:09:53
7. Michael Lovato (USA) 4:10:31
8. Velmar Bianco (ARG) 4:10:55
9. Felipe Ignacio Van Der Wingard (CHI) 4:12:14
10. Leandro Gonzalez Bonet (ARG) 4:14:10

Women

1. Amanda Lovato (USA) 4:36:10
2. Heather Gollnick (USA) 4:41:36
3. Tereza Macel (CAN) 4:46:20
4. Pamela Tastets (CHI) 4:55:32
5. Carla Stampfli (ITA) 4:57:307